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The first established Black Journalism Association in America. We aim to increase the number of Black media professionals & combat racism. ✊🏾 🖤❤️💛

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🏆 2026 Emerging Media Professional of the Year! Thank you so much! 🥹@phillyabj @mrernestowens

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There’s something different about being honored at home. 🏆🔔✨

Philly is where so much of my story began, so accepting the 2026 Emerging Media Professional of the Year award from the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists felt especially full circle.

This city taught me how to find the story, ask the harder question, care about community and never forget who you’re speaking to.

I loved speaking on the Careers Beyond the Newsroom panel while also taking in the gems shared from others.

I’m so very grateful for PABJ, for Philadelphia’s incredible community of journalists and media professionals, and for every chapter that brought me back home.

Philly shaped my voice, my spirit, my resilience, my storytelling and so much of who I am. This one felt full circle.🥹😎

Cc: @phillyabj @mrernestowens @cadelenews @iamthatreporterjd

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WE DID IT AGAIN! The professional photos are coming soon, but we just successfully wrapped up the most impactful media convention for young Black and brown journalists Philly has ever seen! ✨

I'm seriously lost for words on how epic this weekend has been. The empowerment, mentorship, and inspiration that was given at this event was everything. 🔥

Seriously, I'm on Cloud 9. ♥️

We built it, they came. ✊🏾

So many lives were changed, so many were touched, this is what the work looks like. This is how we show up for the future, this is how we take care of our own.

Thank you @ccpedu for hosting us.

Thank you @cbsphiladelphia and @kellycbsnews for backing us.

Thank you @onwurd, @phillyvotes, @phillycam, @detailsbymsdawn, @keep.it.cordial_llc, and @titosvodka for believing in this when do many didn't.

Thank you to my PABJ exec board and producer @britneyelayne for giving your all to seeing this happen.

To all of the honorees, moderators, panelists, and attendees -- I'm forever grateful that you gave us your voice, talent, and vulnerability this weekend.

I'm so touched right now, thank you. More to come. 🖤♥️💛

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Night 1 of the Emerging Media Conference! 🔥 Celebrating the voices telling our stories and moving Black media forward.

Congratulations to @Chilekasi.adele, @Iamthatreporterjd, and @Nicolenewsitall on your well-deserved awards! 👏🏿🏆

And S/O to my fellow Ivy Leafer and Lancer @Namone! 💪🏿✊🏿

Can’t wait to build on this energy tomorrow for Day 2!

#BuyTheHood

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Night 1 of the 2026 Emerging Media Diversity Convention was 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Y'all, I'm still processing how epic tonight was.

NOBODY IS DOING WHAT PABJ IS DOING IN THIS REGION RIGHT NOW!

Thank you, @cbsphiladelphia for always supporting us! Shout-out to @detailsbymsdawn & @keep.it.cordial_llc for the hospitality! Thank you, @ccpedu. Thank you, @iamthatreporterjd & Ukee! 💚💚💚

See y'all tomorrow for Day 2, @phillyabj. 🖤♥️💛

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Black media is changing fast.

AI is changing search. Social platforms are controlling more of the audience. Advertising is shifting. Traditional business models are under pressure.

So the real question is this:

What happens to Black media next?

This Saturday, I’ll be moderating “How Media Can Survive This Economy and Beyond” at the 2026 Emerging Media Diversity Convention at Community College of Philadelphia.

We’re talking about the economics of media, ownership, audience, trust, sustainability, and how journalists, creators, and media entrepreneurs can build businesses that last without sacrificing integrity.

And I’m honored to share the stage with an incredible group of voices bringing different perspectives to this conversation.

The event is sold out, so if you know somebody, you might wanna make that call. 😂

📍 Community College of Philadelphia
📅 October 3
🎙️ How Media Can Survive This Economy and Beyond

#EMDC26 #BlackMedia ##BlackJournalism #MediaBusiness

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PHILLY: Join us and Rep. Chris Rabb @reprabb for a discussion of how local news strengthens our elections. We’ll be at Temple University on Thursday, Oct. 1, with a panel featuring @templeuniv’s Sarah Alvarez, @phillyabj’s Ernest Owens @mrnernestowens, and @commoncausepa’s Philip Hensley-Robin, moderated by our own Vanessa Maria Graber @newsjawn.

Doors open at 6pm for registration and food. See you there!

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SURPRISE! Next Thursday, I'll be having a very timely discussion at a FREE EVENT THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on local free press freedoms in Philadelphia.

The conversation can no longer just be online, but in the public.

Join myself, State Representative Chris Rabb, Common Cause Pennsylvania, Free Press Action, and others at Temple next week as we discussion active legislation, resources, and more that the community can engage in.

See you there!

LINK IN BIO TO RSVP.

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Honored to be able to share my story and thoughts at the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists 2nd annual Emerging Media Diversity Convention. Thank you @mrernestowens for providing the space and @kyronryals for the connection.

I started my career working in media so the topic is very personal to me. Look forward to hearing from everyone involved on their thoughts on the landscape today. Hit @phillyabj page for tickets or check the link in my bio.

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EMDC 26 IS ONLY A FEW WEEKS AWAY (swipe through): Today, I return to CCP for another incredible school year as a professor of Communication & Media Studies. Several of my new students have told me that they're already registered and excited to attend the second annual Emerging Media Diversity Convention! 🔥

Looking back at last year's inaugural gathering, I realized I was more vulnerable about what inspired me to enter this industry and continue to thrive in it.

It's been 16 years since I first auditioned at WQHS Radio to host a talk show I would call "Ernestly Speaking!" It was supposed to be something for fun as I was starting my freshman year at Penn as a pre-law student.

That "fun" became a passion that changed my life.

I reminded my students today that true careers start with an interest that later becomes an investment. Some of my students took my course out of curiosity, some just for "fun," others to complete a major requirement. But I look forward to inspiring them to fearlessly explore.

One moment, you can be a first-week freshman in a new city exploring hobbies and 16 years later, you can turn those hobbies into life-changing experiences that you use to empower a town you never left. ✨♥️

🔗 In bio to register for the Emerging Media Diversity Convention

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